Annual Library Update to County Board

Jennifer Scholz, Director of Scott County Library, introduced the annual meeting with the Library Advisory Board and County Board to review the past year's achievements, alignment with the County's Strategic Plan, and upcoming operational changes. Advisory board members introduced themselves and their motivation for serving. The core purpose was to foster dialogue and provide updates on library services and community impact.

Enhancing Early Childhood and Literacy Initiatives

The 'Reading Bus' visits increased by 53%, now allowing book check-outs at every stop, targeting underserved areas and community events. The 'Dolly Parton's Imagination Library' program, which sends free books to children 0-5, is launching in Jordan with full community funding, awaiting final USPS agreements for 501c3 status. Commissioner Perr suggested creating a non-profit focused solely on improving reading scores. The library confirmed 'Michael's team' is already working on tutoring, 'Read Together' programs, and early literacy programs at branches, often seeking community partnerships.

Expanding Teen Engagement and Programs

Katie Lee discussed the challenge and success of re-engaging teenagers. The library reinstated teen programs at all branches and partnered with Shakopee schools to hold events (e.g., plant growing, Nintendo Switch tournaments) directly within schools, attracting students who might not otherwise visit the library. Teen librarians are also acting as mentors by leading summer reading clubs for younger elementary students. The expansion of the 'Library of Things' to include D&D and crochet kits further caters to teen interests. These initiatives aim to impact the 'caring adult' community indicator.

Diversifying Adult Programs and Services

Michelle Ayers highlighted the library's efforts to expand adult programming, including book clubs, art programs, and special one-time events, noting her own surprise at the breadth of offerings since joining the board. The 'Library to You' program continues to serve vulnerable adults, and increased demand for adult programs is evident through direct feedback (handwritten letters). Jennifer Scholz noted that MELSA funding is now being used to pilot new adult, wellness, and intergenerational programs, often in partnership with other community organizations like parks and historical societies, aligning with the community's aging demographic.

Fostering Community Design and Partnerships

Shana Pratt presented two key partnerships: one with Hope's Portage, supported by Prior Lake Rotary, which established a library at the site with multilingual materials (English, Spanish, Somali) and includes 'Reading Bus' visits. The second, with Three Rivers Parks, provides camping kits directly placed in park cabins, containing activities and practical items. This initiative stemmed from a County Commissioner's suggestion last year. While the park prefers the items in cabins, the library ensures branding on the kits to connect users back to the library system, aiming to integrate library services more deeply into community activities.

Leveraging Technology for Public Access and Digital Resources

Shana Pratt highlighted a major upgrade: the library system now operates on 10 Gigabit internet, largely funded by federal grants, significantly improving access for community members without reliable home internet. Katie Lee discussed the immense popularity of the Libby app for e-books and audiobooks, but raised concerns about high costs. Jennifer Scholz elaborated that e-books cost 3-8 times more than physical copies due to publisher contracts (often annual), a national issue that state legislation in Minnesota attempted, but failed, to address. The library manages its digital and physical collections by purging unused titles and purchasing based on demand. E-library card programs are expanding to more school districts.

Operational Analysis and Proposed Staffing Hour Adjustment

Jennifer Scholz presented an in-depth data analysis, using AI-driven heat maps of visitor traffic, which revealed a significant drop in patronage between 7 PM and 8 PM across all library locations, consistently observed in both summer and school year data. Based on this, a proposal was made to reduce staffed hours by one hour at the end of the day, moving closing from 8 PM to 7 PM. This 18-hour system-wide reduction (3-3.5% of activity hours) aims to reallocate staff to busier mid-day and early-evening periods to enhance program delivery, ensuring staff presence aligns with peak patron usage.